Development Reports

Report category

Traffic Impact Assessments

A traffic impact assessment examines how a proposed development may affect movement to, from and around a site. It can consider the additional travel demand generated by the development and whether surrounding roads, intersections, access points, parking and other transport infrastructure can accommodate it.

In NSW, the level of assessment required can vary considerably depending on the type, scale and location of the development. A relatively straightforward proposal may require a shorter traffic or transport impact statement, while larger or more complex developments may need a detailed Transport Impact Assessment.

Traffic Impact Assessment Specialists

Listings are compiled from publicly available business sources. Development Reports does not endorse, recommend or guarantee any provider.

A traffic assessment may consider existing traffic conditions, the number and type of vehicle trips a development is expected to generate, peak-hour conditions, nearby intersections, parking demand, site access, loading and servicing, and the movement of pedestrians and cyclists. Depending on the proposal, traffic modelling or assessment of cumulative impacts from surrounding development may also be required.

You may encounter several names for this type of report, including traffic impact assessment, transport impact assessment, traffic impact study, traffic report, traffic and parking assessment or traffic impact statement. Transport for NSW's current guidance uses the broader term Transport Impact Assessment, reflecting consideration of the wider transport network rather than vehicle traffic alone. The appropriate report and level of detail should be determined by the project, the site and the requirements of the relevant consent authority.

When this may be required

A traffic or transport impact assessment may be requested as supporting documentation for a development application where a proposal is expected to change travel demand, vehicle access, parking conditions or the operation of the surrounding transport network.

Projects where traffic assessment may be relevant include:

  • Residential and mixed-use developments.
  • Commercial and retail developments.
  • Industrial and warehouse facilities.
  • Childcare centres and educational facilities.
  • Medical centres and other higher-traffic uses.
  • Places of worship, entertainment or assembly.
  • Developments involving new or altered vehicle access.
  • Developments with significant parking, loading or servicing requirements.
  • Expansions or changes of use that may alter traffic generation.

The requirement is project-specific. The consent authority may determine that a detailed assessment is necessary based on the scale of the development, existing road conditions, proximity to significant roads or intersections, anticipated vehicle movements or other transport impacts.

Where a development may affect a classified road or infrastructure managed by Transport for NSW, additional consultation or assessment requirements may also apply.

Not sure which reports apply to your project? See our development application report guide.

What does a traffic impact assessment investigate?

The scope of an assessment depends on the development and the requirements of the relevant authority, but it may investigate:

  • Existing traffic volumes and road conditions.
  • Likely vehicle trips generated by the proposed development.
  • Peak-hour traffic conditions.
  • The performance of nearby roads and intersections.
  • Proposed vehicle access and egress.
  • Parking demand and parking layout.
  • Loading, deliveries and service vehicle movements.
  • Vehicle turning and swept paths.
  • Pedestrian and cycling access.
  • Public transport accessibility.
  • Road safety considerations.
  • Future or cumulative traffic conditions.
  • Measures that may reduce or manage transport impacts.

For more complex developments, traffic modelling may be used to assess how intersections or sections of the road network are expected to perform with and without the proposed development.

Not every project requires the same investigations. The scope should respond to the particular site and development rather than simply following a generic report format.

Who typically prepares it

Traffic and transport impact assessments are generally prepared by consultants with expertise in traffic engineering, transport planning or both.

The consultant may need to review development plans, inspect the site, obtain or commission traffic surveys, assess relevant planning and transport requirements and undertake technical analysis or modelling.

For a development application, it is important that the person preparing the assessment has experience with the type of project involved and understands the requirements of the relevant council or consent authority.

What to consider when choosing a traffic consultant

The right consultant will depend on the complexity of the development and the issues that need to be assessed.

When comparing consultants, you may want to consider:

  • Experience with similar development types.
  • Familiarity with the relevant council or consent authority.
  • Experience applying current Transport for NSW guidance.
  • Whether traffic surveys or modelling are likely to be required.
  • Experience assessing parking, access, loading and servicing arrangements.
  • Ability to coordinate with architects, planners and other project consultants.
  • Whether the proposed scope clearly addresses the requirements of the development application.

For projects involving significant transport impacts or classified roads, relevant experience dealing with Transport for NSW may also be important.

Before commissioning a report, confirm the required scope with your planner, council, certifier or other relevant project adviser where appropriate.

Related terms you may encounter

Terminology can vary between councils, consultants and project documentation.

Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA)
A commonly used term for an assessment of the traffic effects associated with a proposed development.
Transport Impact Assessment
The terminology used by Transport for NSW's current Guide to Transport Impact Assessment. It can consider impacts across the broader transport network, including walking, cycling and public transport as well as private vehicles.
Traffic Impact Statement / Transport Impact Statement
Generally used for a more limited level of assessment where the scale or likely transport impact of a proposal does not warrant a comprehensive assessment.
Traffic and Parking Assessment
A report that places particular emphasis on vehicle access, traffic generation and parking demand or provision.
Traffic Impact Study
Another term sometimes used for a detailed assessment of development-related traffic effects.
Swept Path Analysis
A technical assessment showing whether particular vehicles can safely manoeuvre through proposed access points, driveways, loading areas or parking facilities. It may form part of a traffic assessment but is not itself a complete Traffic Impact Assessment.
Construction Traffic Management Plan
A separate document dealing with traffic and pedestrian impacts during construction. It should not be treated as interchangeable with an assessment of the completed development.

Frequently asked questions

Do all development applications need a Traffic Impact Assessment?
No. Whether one is required depends on the nature, scale and location of the proposed development and the requirements of the consent authority. Smaller developments may require no specialist traffic report or may only require a more limited assessment, while developments expected to generate significant transport impacts may require a detailed Transport Impact Assessment.
What is the difference between a Traffic Impact Assessment and a Transport Impact Assessment?
The terms are often used to describe similar development assessment work. Transport for NSW now uses Transport Impact Assessment in its current guidance, reflecting a broader approach that can consider walking, cycling, public transport and the wider transport network as well as vehicle traffic. “Traffic Impact Assessment” remains a widely used industry and search term.
Does a Traffic Impact Assessment include parking?
Parking is commonly considered where it is relevant to the development. This may include expected parking demand, the number and layout of spaces, vehicle circulation, access arrangements and compliance with applicable planning and design requirements.
Will traffic counts be required?
Not always. Traffic surveys may be needed where existing traffic volumes, intersection performance or peak-hour conditions need to be established. The consultant should determine what data is appropriate for the assessment and whether existing information is sufficient.
Can council ask for a Traffic Impact Assessment after a DA has been lodged?
Yes. A consent authority may request additional information during assessment if it considers that the submitted information does not adequately address potential traffic or transport impacts. Identifying likely requirements before lodgement can help reduce the risk of additional information requests later.
Is a Traffic Impact Assessment the same as a Construction Traffic Management Plan?
No. A Traffic or Transport Impact Assessment generally considers the transport implications of the proposed development, while a Construction Traffic Management Plan focuses on how vehicle and pedestrian movements will be managed during construction. Depending on the project, both may be required.
Who prepares a Traffic Impact Assessment?
These assessments are typically prepared by traffic engineers, transport planners or specialist traffic and transport consultants with experience in development assessment.

NSW guidance and sources

Requirements can vary between projects and consent authorities. The following NSW Government resources provide further guidance on transport impacts and the development assessment process.

  • Transport for NSW — Guide to Transport Impact Assessment

    The current technical guidance for transport practitioners (TS 00085), effective 4 November 2024, which superseded the previous 2002 guide. Find TS 00085 on the Transport Standards Portal

  • NSW Planning — Development referrals guide

    Guidance for applicants and consent authorities on integrated development approvals, concurrences and consultation referrals, including referrals to Transport for NSW. Read the Development referrals guide

  • NSW Planning Portal — Transport

    Planning Portal transport guidance, which identifies the Guide to Transport Impact Assessment as a key reference for assessing development transport impacts. View the Planning Portal transport guidance